Plants with High Levels of Vitamin K
Summary
Plants with High Levels of Vitamin K
introduction:
Several plants, principally edible vegetables of the Brassicaceae (Cabbage) family, contain significant levels of phylloquinone, the naturally occurring plant form of vitamin K. Regular consumption of high levels of these plants may, at least theoretically, lead to resistance to anticoagulant medications that interfere with the formation of vitamin K dependent cofactors in the clotting cascade. In those individuals with normal clotting physiology, dietary vitamin K intake has insignificant effect.
food/herb affecting drug performance: Anticoagulants drugs including
Heparin and Warfarin
• Vitamin K containing herbs may interact with the use of vitamin K antagonist drugs to reduce the effectiveness of their anticoagulant action. PT/INR times should be monitored.
herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs may take place through various physiologic mechanisms including herbs from the following groups:
• Platelet Interactors
Herbs
Common herbs and food plants with high levels of vitamin K:
• Beta vulgaris (Beet root and greens)
• Brassica oleracea v. acephala (Collard leaves)
• Brassica oleracea v. capita (Cabbage leaves)
• Brassica oleracea v. fruticosa (Kale leaves)
• Brassica oleracea v. gemmifera (Brussels sprouts) 200mcg/100g
• Brassica campestris v. pekinensis (Chinese Cabbage)
• Brassica rapa (Turnip leaves) 650mcg/100g
• Glycine max (Soy bean)
• Lactuca sativa (Lettuce leaves)
• Medicago sativa (Alfalfa plant)
• Nasturtium officinale (Watercress)
• Petroselinum crispum (Parsley leaves)
• Plantago major (Plantain leaves)
• Spinacea oleracea (Spinach leaves)
• Urtica spp. (Stinging Nettles plant)
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and limitations of the information provided here.
Do not rely solely on the information in this article.
The information presented in Interactions is for
informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific
studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case
reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each
topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all
individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions
with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For
many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical
therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter
medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an
appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for
any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products
or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed
medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical
condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of
self-care.
References
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Second edition. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Inc, 1998.
Harris JE. Interaction of dietary factors with oral anticoagulants: Review and application.
J Am Diet Assoc 1995 May;95(5):580-584. (Review)
Holt GA. Food and Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998.
Kempin SJ. Warfarin resistance caused by broccoli. N Engl J Med 1983 May 19;308(20):1229-1230. (Letter)
Tatro D, (ed.) Anticoagulants-quinine derivatives. In: Drug Interaction Facts. St. Louis, MO. Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1993.